Handling and final disposal of nuclear waste: Alternative Disposal Methods

The present report discusses the implications of the terms "alternative design" and "alternative barriers". Furthermore, different schematic methods for final disposal and different components that can be included in a system for final disposal are presented. The ideas for the different methods, components or designs come from many sources. Some have long been identified in Swedish or foreign discussions concerning the management of nuclear waste, others are concepts discussed within SKB or proposed by SKB's consultants for inclusion in the R&D programme. The ideas have been compiled in the report without any attempt to identify their authors. The choice of design and site for a final repository shall be based on a comprehensive body of information concerning, among other things, possible alternative designs. However, the research programme must also be oriented with regard to factors that are not dealt with in this report, for example development potential within different R&D areas, availability of validated models and verified data, opportunities for international cooperation etc. An outline of R&D activities during the period 1987-1992 based on these premises is presented in R&D programme 86/1/.